Throughout the year, local radio and television stations are leaders of public service in communities across the country, organizing fundraisers for charities and drives for food, coats, toys and more. During the holiday season, this spirit of giving is on display.
The We Are Broadcasters campaign collects stories of broadcasters’ service year-round. Here are some of the stories of broadcasters’ great work this holiday season.
WMGK-FM John DeBella Turkey Drop Collects Turkeys for Local Families in Philadelphia
Beasley Media Group’s WMGK-FM Classic Rock 102.9 legendary morning personality John DeBella hosted the annual Turkey Drop, collecting turkeys for needy families in the Philadelphia area. The event is the largest one-day food gathering event in the area, and this year collected a record-breaking 9,056 turkeys.
On Tuesday, November 23, John DeBella broadcasted live from The Kimmel Center, and the WMGK on-air staff lent a helping hand on the air from 12 additional sites across the tri-state area. The turkeys will be distributed throughout the holiday season.
The Turkey Drop benefits Cityteam Philadelphia, a local nonprofit organization that provides holiday meals and other important services for individuals and families in need.
Audacy Raises Over $365,000 for Union Gospel Missions Twin Cities
Audacy’s 830 WCCO held its 19th annual radiothon in Minneapolis on November 16, benefiting Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities. The radiothon raised over $365,000, providing over 186,000 meals and care to those in need. This brings the fundraising total to over $3.6 million since 2003.
Throughout the radiothon, broadcast live from UGM’s St. Paul campus, WCCO conducted interviews and encouraged listeners to donate through phone banks. Donations supported Union Gospel Mission, a Christian ministry dedicated to helping people facing homelessness, poverty and addiction. The radiothon is part of Audacy’s commitment to supporting the communities it serves.
Lee Greenwood Joins Huntsville Students for Special Holiday Message
Allen Media Broadcasting’s WAAY-TV in Huntsville, Ala., teamed up with singer-songwriter Lee Greenwood and local elementary, middle and high school choirs to record a special holiday message to be aired on newscasts throughout the season. More than 1,400 students participated in the effort to spread this holiday message of peace.
WLAX-TV in La Crosse Donates $5000 to Local Food Bank
Nexstar’s La Crosse station WLAX-TV is donating $5,000 to The Hunger Task Force of La Crosse through the Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation.
For 23 years, The Hunger Task Force has provided a safety net of emergency food to a network of local food pantries and meal programs serving western Wisconsin. It is the only free and local food bank in the La Crosse area and charges nothing for the food it distributes and delivers.
Read the full story from the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.
ABC15 Supports Local Charities with ‘Operation Santa Claus’
Scripps’ ABC15 Phoenix is holding its 21st annual ‘Operation Santa Claus’ charity drive November 18- December 20 to help local families in need. This partnership between ABC15 and Sanderson Ford collects food, toys, clothes and monetary donations for Arizona charities, including St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, the Military Assistance Mission, the Special Olympics Arizona and more.
Read more stories of broadcasters’ public service at WeAreBroadcasters.com.
